Hermès has confirmed that Ninian Nichanian will be stepping down after an illustrious 37-year tenure, concluding with her final autumn/winter 2026 collection during Paris Fashion Week in January.
Taking the reins is Grace Wales Bonner, the 35-year-old London-based designer who founded her eponymous brand in 2014. Initially launched as a menswear label shortly after her graduation from Central Saint Martins, Wales Bonner has since expanded into womens wear and cultivated a distinctive voice in contemporary fashion. Her long-standing collaborations with Adidas and recognition from the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund in 2023 underscore her creative influence and industry acclaim.
Hermès, the family-owned luxury powerhouse, has largely defied the industry slowdown, posting a 9% year-on-year rise in sales to €3.9bn earlier this year. The group recently surpassed LVMH to become the most valuable luxury company by market capitalisation, further cementing its position at the pinnacle of the global luxury landscape.
Wales Bonner’s appointment marks a new era for Hermès menswear, combining heritage craftsmanship with contemporary vision — a blend that promises to resonate with both loyal patrons and a new generation of fashion-forward consumers.